Philippine Senator proposes new online gambling regulator

Senator Richard Gordon suggested in a hearing the creation of a new body to regulate online gambling in the Philippines.

Manila.- Last Thursday, Philippine Senator Richard Gordon proposed the creation of a new regulatory authority for online gambling. The new body would allow the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) to further inspect land-based casinos.

The Philippine Online Gaming and Regulatory Authority (POGRA) “will be better equipped to oversee the US$250 billion industry using new technology,” explained Gordon. He also denounced Chinese casino tycoon Jack Lam of an alleged bribe attempt.

Vitaliano Aguirre, Justice Secretary, supported Gordon’s proposal as he said that a dedicated online gambling regulator would help eliminate gray areas.

Online games are limited to only offshore players as Philippine gambling legislation does not allow locals to gamble through the Internet. In fact, President Rodrigo Duterte prompted the closure of online gaming businesses in the whole contry.